Official NBA 2016-2017 Thread - 30 teams, 1 goal. 2 weeks left, so much can happen!!

[gene cisco]

Backtrack, LBJ dominated last year; he didnt not in no way dominate the year before; dude shot like 35% from the field; again he was healthy in the 2 games played this year, did he dominate?? And the fact that you and SAS are forming your opinion off the last 2 years is flat out hilarious; I didnt know that GS was the same team as they were 2 years ago; Hell are the same team as they were last year; Now with the new additions please tell me how Korver and Williams and Bogut help them against GS Oh and lets talk about last year for a min; LBJ dominated, Irving was good right; Green got suspended, Bogut hurt and out, Iggy hurt, Curry played like ass, Barnes played like hes never seen a basketball, and GS didnt score the last what 4 mins of the game and they still could have won; and yet with all of that Cavs barely won; and you think that its gonna play out the same way this year; Man I tell you some of you guys are too funny....

Shooting 35 percent with no help? You holding that against him? When Delly had to go to the hospital? Seriously? GS barely won in 2015. Cavs in 201t6. Some of you bandwagon cats shouldn't even be allowed to cop pleas for GS. Where is Truth, Bills, and Mr.JR....Damn...shit is crazy around here...

Cavs fans aren't the only ones who thought Bron should have got MVP in 2015 when Iggy got it. There was a strong case because Lebron has to do every fucking thing. He then came back and dominated the next year with an all-time performance.

Glad I can always talk this out sensibly with the real GS fans around here.

 

[Day_Carver]

Shooting 35 percent with no help? You holding that against him? When Delly had to go to the hospital? Seriously? GS barely won in 2015. Cavs in 201t6. Some of you bandwagon cats shouldn't even be allowed to cop pleas for GS. Where is Truth, Bills, and Mr.JR....Damn...shit is crazy around here...

Cavs fans aren't the only ones who thought Bron should have got MVP in 2015 when Iggy got it. There was a strong case because Lebron has to do every fucking thing. He then came back and dominated the next year with an all-time performance.

Glad I can always talk this out sensibly with the real GS fans around here.

Im not holding shit against LBJ; I didnt bring up the past you and dumb as SAS did; he didnt dominate 2 years ago and thats the point; and that its fact; He had his worst statistical series ever 2 years ago in the finals right?? Last year, yes he did; GS won in 5, Cavs won in 7; big difference; and again NONE OF THAT MATTERS; GS isnt the same team; so why are we even talking about that; They not even the same team as last year; You want to talk sense; stop bringing up the past like its relevant today!!; And you still didnt answer the question; Please give me specifics as to how Bogut, Williams, and Korver and whatever other addition the Cavs made helps them against GS

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

Shooting 35 percent with no help? You holding that against him? When Delly had to go to the hospital? Seriously? GS barely won in 2015. Cavs in 201t6. Some of you bandwagon cats shouldn't even be allowed to cop pleas for GS. Where is Truth, Bills, and Mr.JR....Damn...shit is crazy around here...

Cavs fans aren't the only ones who thought Bron should have got MVP in 2015 when Iggy got it. There was a strong case because Lebron has to do every fucking thing. He then came back and dominated the next year with an all-time performance.

Glad I can always talk this out sensibly with the real GS fans around here.

Golden state didn't barely win in 2015
They won the last 3 games by double digit points in each of them
The win needs way more respect than it gets once they played their game it was a done deal it wasn't even close.

Last year a 4 point win in game 7 is a barely win not the year before where it was academic in the closing game.

That's all I'm speaking on just that aspect

Also I don't buy the no help tagged along with the east ain't weak cause with that same no help squad they swept the ecf.

Let's stop diminishing a championship that was earned

I've never diminished the one the cavs just won
We need that same courtesy

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

Im not holding shit against LBJ; I didnt bring up the past you and dumb as SAS did; he didnt dominate 2 years ago and thats the point; and that its fact; He had his worst statistical series ever 2 years ago in the finals right?? Last year, yes he did; GS won in 5, Cavs won in 7; big difference; and again NONE OF THAT MATTERS; GS isnt the same team; so why are we even talking about that; They not even the same team as last year; You want to talk sense; stop bringing up the past like its relevant today!!; And you still didnt answer the question; Please give me specifics as to how Bogut, Williams, and Korver and whatever other addition the Cavs made helps them against GS

Lebron played great in 2015

 

[gene cisco]

Golden state didn't barely win in 2015
They won the last 3 games by double digit points in each of them
The win needs way more respect than it gets once they played their game it was a done deal it wasn't even close.

Last year a 4 point win in game 7 is a barely win not the year before where it was academic in the closing game.

That's all I'm speaking on just that aspect

Also I don't buy the no help tagged along with the east ain't weak cause with that same no help squad they swept the ecf.

Let's stop diminishing a championship that was earned

I've never diminished the one the cavs just one
We need that same courtesy

The team was exhausted by the finals. Period. Delly went to the hospital. A chip is a chip. Can talk shit about both. But if I'm going to talk shit about both, it will be with a true fan.

When the Cavs lost in 2015, I gave congrats on the chip immediately. It's just that GS fans ain't even the ones pumping the flames. It's like back in the summer Love signed. Cavs fans weren't reckless.

 

[Day_Carver]

Lebron played great in 2015
The warriors were just the better team

Fully healthy I roll with them last year too

In the quest to hate curry niggas ignore he was hurt

How do I know?
He wasn't going to the rim...like he did before and does now
And big men could guard him
Kevin love guarded curry in the final moments and he couldn't shake him and niggas is saying he healthy?

He couldn't shake Adams in the previous round every time they played before and this year whenever Adams is on curry he abuses him

Dude listen none of that matters to people; we have guys in here acting like it's the same dam team; KD isn't barnes and i can bet there won't be no disappearing act like barnes committed; my point in all of this is the past(last year) has nothing to do with the present or future soI don't know why dudes are even bringing it up

 

[Day_Carver]

The team was exhausted by the finals. Period. Delly went to the hospital. A chip is a chip. Can talk shit about both. But if I'm going to talk shit about both, it will be with a true fan.

When the Cavs lost in 2015, I gave congrats on the chip immediately. It's just that GS fans ain't even the ones pumping the flames. It's like back in the summer Love signed. Cavs fans weren't reckless.

Who the fuck cares????who the fuck cares why GS lost last year???none of it matters now; why because it's a completely different team!!!!!!!!!

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

The team was exhausted by the finals. Period. Delly went to the hospital. A chip is a chip. Can talk shit about both. But if I'm going to talk shit about both, it will be with a true fan.

When the Cavs lost in 2015, I gave congrats on the chip immediately. It's just that GS fans ain't even the ones pumping the flames. It's like back in the summer Love signed. Cavs fans weren't reckless.

If they were fully rested they still would've lost.
I just don't like provisions on one and not the other
You'll say delly went to the hospital and not mention Bogut missing the rest of the series and curry having a sprained mcl lol

And yea it's akways outside fanning the flames then distancing themselves once it's all done.
Nothing I can do
I get a little irritated with it honestly

Also the bias man
Ppl everywhere are saying hopefully someone beats the warriors so we can see someone else in the finals
But want the cavs to go back

 

[4 Dimensional]

Warriors should be fine.. They were starting to sleepwalk thru the second half and were clearly bored. This wakes things up and refocuses them. Durant should be ready to roll when needed. They didnt get him for the regular season anyway. And now hes fully integrated and comfortable within the system so they are straight.


Spurs would punish the Rockets. No size, defense, and Spurs have both and dictate pace. Paper clips are the team that give Spurs problems.

It's guard play that has me doubtful in that match up. While the Spurs got the size, I just seen Danny green get baked by Austin Rivers. I have no doubt that Harden and Gordon will do the same with Parker, mills, green and manu.

Don't the rocket have Lou Williams now?

But as mentioned, the Rockets defense overall is mad suspect hence is why I am somewhat doubtful.

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

Dude listen none of that matters to people; we have guys in here acting like it's the same dam team; KD isn't barnes and i can bet there won't be no disappearing act like barnes committed; my point in all of this is the past(last year) has nothing to do with the present or future soI don't know why dudes are even bringing it up

Warriors don't get the respect of a champion
They won it.
Those dudes have a ring
Fuck everything else
I'm usually cool about everything buy it's turning into since nobody wishes my squad well I hope their squads continue not ever having a ring

 

[BDR]

But what was his record?
He can score but they never had to double, but at the same time LeBron would score 26 but Durant team had to collapse and double on him making his other players better.. This is why OKC would never beat a LeBron James team.

What about being on GS now?

 

[RoadRage]

What about being on GS now?

Are you willing to over look his whole career just to focus on one game, including losing 4 games strait in the finals with Harden and Westbrook as teammates?

 

[gene cisco]

If they were fully rested they still would've lost.
I just don't like provisions on one and not the other
You'll say delly went to the hospital and not mention Bogut missing the rest of the series and curry having a sprained mcl lol

And yea it's akways outside fanning the flames then distancing themselves once it's all done.
Nothing I can do
I get a little irritated with it honestly

Also the bias man
Ppl everywhere are saying hopefully someone beats the warriors so we can see someone else in the finals
But want the cavs to go back

Team was beat up in 2015. Period. And it's funny that I'm on of the posters on here that always mention how important Bogut was of keeping cavs out the paint, but others say he wasn't shit. Curry. Well. He could have took over in 2015.

I'm bias. You're bias. Other true fans are bias. But damn, It's like a GS support group around here. Obviously, the folks who want to Cavs to go back don't frequent basketball posts on here.

 

[BDR]

Are you willing to over look his whole career just to focus on one game, including losing 4 games strait in the finals with Harden and Westbrook as teammates?

The point is Durant individually always shown up against Bron there's no debate

 

[RoadRage]

The point is Durant individually always shown up against Bron there's no debate

He always shows up but so does LeBron the big difference is that LeBron scores wit the help out defense allowing his teammates to get free while Durant doesn't command nearly as much attention that gives his teammates the same type of edge.
Good thing Durant is on a team filled with players who can create their own shot while on the other hand LeBron has surrounded himself with players who are best suited to score off the overplay that LeBron creates..

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

Team was beat up in 2015. Period. And it's funny that I'm on of the posters on here that always mention how important Bogut was of keeping cavs out the paint, but others say he wasn't shit. Curry. Well. He could have took over in 2015.

I'm bias. You're bias. Other true fans are bias. But damn, It's like a GS support group around here. Obviously, the folks who want to Cavs to go back don't frequent basketball posts on here.

And our team was beat up in 2016 period. So there's that
Bogut gone and Curry with a sprained MCL can't even shake Kevin Love to get a shot off and we questioning whether he was actually healthy or not.

Nah it's been the opposite around here niggas hate golden state to the point they making fun of kevin durant for being hurt.

i don't even know these niggas teams
they just don't want gs to win.

 

[RoadRage]

And our team was beat up in 2016 period. So there's that
Bogut gone and Curry with a sprained MCL can't even shake Kevin Love to get a shot off and we questioning whether he was actually healthy or not.

Nah it's been the opposite around here niggas hate golden state to the point they making fun of kevin durant for being hurt.

i don't even know these niggas teams
they just don't want gs to win.

But he was able to have those moster games vs the Thunder the series before.. And if you look at most games vs these Cavs Curry except for one or two games Curry play has been below average..

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

But he was able to have those moster games vs the Thunder the series before.. And if you look at most games vs these Cavs Curry except for one or two games Curry play has been below average..

I believe it was Klay who put up 40 to keep the series alive and help carry the team?
Curry was hurt. PERIOD.
when you come back from an injury like that in the short amount of time he did, you are inconsistent with your movement.
Ain't even points it's his play.
Curry attacks the rim way more than people give him credit for he isn't a sit at the 3 point line player and all in the playoffs after he was injured that's all he did because he couldn't move how he was accustomed to which made it way easier to guard him cause you knew he wasn't going past you just looking to get a 3.
compare that to before the injury and now... when if you play too close he goes all the way to the rim.. that's all the difference in the world.

 

[Amajorfucup]

It's guard play that has me doubtful in that match up. While the Spurs got the size, I just seen Danny green get baked by Austin Rivers. I have no doubt that Harden and Gordon will do the same with Parker, mills, green and manu.

Don't the rocket have Lou Williams now?

But as mentioned, the Rockets defense overall is mad suspect hence is why I am somewhat doubtful.

Clips Match up with the Spurs well. In a postseason series Houston will get thoroughly out coached and out played. No interior, no defense, one pace, turnover prone, and the entire offensive is predicated on Harden and easily disrupted by a great defensive scheme.

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

Clips Match up with the Spurs well. In a postseason series Houston will get thoroughly out coached and out played. No interior, no defense, one pace, turnover prone, and the entire offensive is predicated on Harden and easily disrupted by a great defensive scheme.

Rockets plan is to score 150 points and hope you don't
That's not a good strategy

 

[RoadRage]

I believe it was Klay who put up 40 to keep the series alive and help carry the team?
Curry was hurt. PERIOD.
when you come back from an injury like that in the short amount of time he did, you are inconsistent with your movement.
Ain't even points it's his play.
Curry attacks the rim way more than people give him credit for he isn't a sit at the 3 point line player and all in the playoffs after he was injured that's all he did because he couldn't move how he was accustomed to which made it way easier to guard him cause you knew he wasn't going past you just looking to get a 3.
compare that to before the injury and now... when if you play too close he goes all the way to the rim.. that's all the difference in the world.

There is no way you can count on Thompson constantly putting up 40 vs the Cavs especially with all the energy he is going to have to spend trying to play defense and if I were the Cavs I would toy with a line up of Bogut, Thompson/Fry, Love, LeBron and Irving, just to forced Thompson to play LeBron and Curry to go up against Irving, with the hopes of wearing them down and expending their energy.
Then when they are exhausted I would go small with Irving, D.Will, Kovert, James and Love, forcing them to run fight through the pick and rolls, screen while guarding the perimeter..
Sure the Warriors would score but if they make it a marthon track meet playing fast hard and non stop, I seriously doubt if the Warriors have the legs to keep up at that frantic pace vs a much deeper, physical and longer team like the Cavs..

 

[Day_Carver]

Team was beat up in 2015. Period. And it's funny that I'm on of the posters on here that always mention how important Bogut was of keeping cavs out the paint, but others say he wasn't shit. Curry. Well. He could have took over in 2015.

I'm bias. You're bias. Other true fans are bias. But damn, It's like a GS support group around here. Obviously, the folks who want to Cavs to go back don't frequent basketball posts on here.

Fuck all the bias; fuck mines fuck yours fuck everyone's; now let's talk bball; please explain to me, from your basketball perspective, how bogut Williams and korver help cavs against GS....I'll wait

 

[Mask]

If one choose to read these pages they will see one thing.


The Cavs addition won't help against GS. It's like they Cavs new players worth is gauge against GS starters.
I've noticed this since Korver was traded for. Actually the same was said about Jefferson, and what happen.

I don't think it was said about Fyre and he's the one whom didnt get off the bench in the finals.


Man why we can't be 100 when talking bball

 

[BDR]

Rockets plan is to score 150 points and hope you don't
That's not a good strategy

That's D'Phoni strategy

 

[BDR]

If one choose to read these pages they will see one thing.


The Cavs addition won't help against GS. It's like they Cavs new players worth is gauge against GS starters.
I've noticed this since Korver was traded for. Actually the same was said about Jefferson, and what happen.

I don't think it was said about Fyre and he's the one whom didnt get off the bench in the finals.


Man why we can't be 100 when talking bball

Jeff wasn't the difference breh GS was up 3-1, Boguts goes down in game 4, Dray suspended for game 5, Kyrie and Bron carried the cavs in game 6 and Kyrie hit timely shots in game 7 all games where the cavs won by the skin of their teeth.. I mean we keeping it 100 right?

 

[AllUniverse17]

Fuck all the bias; fuck mines fuck yours fuck everyone's; now let's talk bball; please explain to me, from your basketball perspective, how bogut Williams and korver help cavs against GS....I'll wait

Meh...

Bogut is just extra fouls and boards.

Williams, if healthy, can let Kyrie and LeBron have a few extra minutes to rest. If I was Lue I would have him post Curry a few times and "accidentally" fall on top of him.

Derrick Williams is good for everything. He rebounds, he hustles, he plays d, he shoots a little and scores inside a little.

Korver is a floor spacer.

All in all, its not a roster that specifically plays to GS weakness. That roster doesnt exist. But its a much improved overall roster.

 

[Day_Carver]

If one choose to read these pages they will see one thing.


The Cavs addition won't help against GS. It's like they Cavs new players worth is gauge against GS starters.
I've noticed this since Korver was traded for. Actually the same was said about Jefferson, and what happen.

I don't think it was said about Fyre and he's the one whom didnt get off the bench in the finals.


Man why we can't be 100 when talking bball

All these cats was talking about Frye would help the cavs last year; your main boy @RoadRage was the main culprit; and you right he didnt get off the fucking bench; and neither did Love up until game 7; And lets talk about Jefferson, what did he do that was so helpful in the finals last year?? I think a lot of you guys have revisionist history and act like what happened really didnt happen; Cavs won because of LBJ and Irving and because of Curry and Barnes; that is the difference in the finals last year; yes there were other things and shit that occurred; and yes the other players played some part; but at the end of the day it was those 4 players that decided the outcome of the finals....

 

[Day_Carver]

Meh...

Bogut is just extra fouls and boards.

Williams, if healthy, can let Kyrie and LeBron have a few extra minutes to rest. If I was Lue I would have him post Curry a few times and "accidentally" fall on top of him.

Derrick Williams is good for everything. He rebounds, he hustles, he plays d, he shoots a little and scores inside a little.

Korver is a floor spacer.

All in all, its not a roster that specifically plays to GS weakness. That roster doesnt exist. But its a much improved overall roster.

Thank you sir; someone finally wants to talk bball instead of all this other horse shit....

 

[RoadRage]

If one choose to read these pages they will see one thing.


The Cavs addition won't help against GS. It's like they Cavs new players worth is gauge against GS starters.
I've noticed this since Korver was traded for. Actually the same was said about Jefferson, and what happen.

I don't think it was said about Fyre and he's the one whom didnt get off the bench in the finals.


Man why we can't be 100 when talking bball

You notice every player from Mozgov, Shumpert, Derrick Williams, Wiggins, Korver, Jefferson, and Fry got much better playing with LeBron, so who's to say that D Will and Bogut games wont elevate either...
Thats the X-factor teams have to worry about.

 

[Mask]

Jeff wasn't the difference breh GS was up 3-1, Boguts goes down in game 4, Dray suspended for game 5, Kyrie and Bron carried the cavs in game 6 and Kyrie hit timely shots in game 7 all games where the cavs won by the skin of their teeth.. I mean we keeping it 100 right?

Yea that's being 100 and obvious...

But it's a little more detailed than that bro. Since Richard is who we pin pointed, if I may recall(you probably can also) there's was a few comments about the Cavs are fucked if they gonna depend on ole ass Jefferson for anything. This fucker is a key figure in Lue's close out lineup. Even this year someone said they bring Jefferson ass back, yea they done.
Again I'm not alluding to him being a different make, just trying to show he produced at a better rate than what folks thought.
Will he been helpful this year in the playoffs shit we don't know, but apparently he's done something correct rather that being a liability like folks spoke.

 

[Mask]

Fixed

You notice every player from Mozgov, Shumpert, Derrick Williams, Liggins, Korver, Jefferson, and Fry got much better playing with LeBron, so who's to say that D Will and Bogut games wont elevate either...
Thats the X-factor teams have to worry about.

Road I believe it like this, they see the commit and the drive to be a champ. Many of those said players have been around someone who strived for greatness.
Derrick Williams said he saw that shit the first time he stepped into the DRESSING ROOM for PRACTICE.

How could u leave out JR. Dude fucked with Bron so tough, he's ass didn't leave Cleveland during the offseason.

So I'm not sure if they get better it's just the focus to detail is changed.

Kyrie Irving was special before Lebron, it's just Bron helped with that mental shit. That why during the first year, there was bad games that he used as teaching moments, to show them this way ain't gonna work.

 

[Day_Carver]

Meh...

Bogut is just extra fouls and boards.

Williams, if healthy, can let Kyrie and LeBron have a few extra minutes to rest. If I was Lue I would have him post Curry a few times and "accidentally" fall on top of him.

Derrick Williams is good for everything. He rebounds, he hustles, he plays d, he shoots a little and scores inside a little.

Korver is a floor spacer.

All in all, its not a roster that specifically plays to GS weakness. That roster doesnt exist. But its a much improved overall roster.

Now, remember in the playoffs most coaches go 8 deep; sometimes 9 but for most part 8; with that being said, Jefferson and Frye get of the bench first; and lets assume Korver starts, that means Jr is 8th man right; or in no particular order thats your 8 players; that would make Williams and Bogut 9th and 10th; not including any other players; therefore their roles and impact are not substantial and or impactful; how many mins are they gonna truly get; very minor unless cavs have significant injury; As far as Derrick Williams, how does he fit in once Love is back; maybe frye and love play limit against GS like normal; Derrick isnt that good of a defender and his offense is spotty; hes a hustle guy for sure and can give them some mins; he doesnt sway the meter; and lets not forget every one of these players(korver, both williams, bogut) are liabilities on the defensive end against GS; and thats the biggest issue of all.....

 

[dik cashmere]

Sixers' Joel Embiid out for rest of season with torn meniscus
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Should Embiid win rookie of the year? (1:11)

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5:32 PM ET

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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the season after a follow-up MRI revealed that the meniscus tear in his left knee "appears more pronounced," the team announced Wednesday.

Embiid, who had been out indefinitely while dealing with swelling and soreness in his left knee, has not played since Jan. 27.

Dr. Jonathan Glashow, the Sixers' chief medical director, said the area affected by Embiid's bone bruise has improved "significantly" and that the team will continue to meet with specialists and gather information "to determine the best course of action and next steps."

The No. 3 overall pick in 2014, Embiid missed his first two seasons while recovering from foot surgery. He averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in 2016-17.

The 76ers were cautious with Embiid, never playing him more than 30 minutes in a game -- yet he still had a penchant for big numbers. He scored at least 20 points in 19 of his 31 appearances, had nine double-doubles, blocked at least three shots 12 times and even was a 37 percent shooter from 3-point range.

"Our primary objective and focus remains to protect his long-term health and ability to perform on the basketball court," Sixers president Bryan Colangelo said. "As our medical team and performance staff continue their diligence in the evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of Joel's injury, we will provide any pertinent updates when available."

Ben Simmons would miss his entire rookie season because his surgically-repaired foot had not fully healed. Simmons underwent surgery to repair an acute Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot on Oct. 4.

Embiid admitted he experienced swelling in his knee after going through a full practice last Thursday.




What's next for Embiid, and is he Rookie of the Year?
Joel Embiid's rookie season is over early. Was it a success, and what does it tell us about his future? Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton assess The Process.



He said last week that he wasn't pleased with how the Sixers had initially declared him as "day to day" when he first suffered the bone bruise. He later underwent an MRI that revealed a slight tear in his meniscus.

"I wasn't too happy with the way it was kind of handled before," Embiid told reporters in Philadelphia last Thursday. "As far as the day-to-day part. I was told (initially then) that I was going to miss at least two or three weeks so I wasn't happy with the way it was handled (as far as telling the public he was day to day).

"I thought keeping my name out there was going to just like literally have people think about me all the time instead of just saying when I was going to be back."

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18799037/joel-embiid-philadelphia-76ers-rest-season

 

[Mask]

LeBron's history against the Celtics.

Take a look back at King James' most memorable moments against one of his rivals, the Celtics.


1:00

 

[Mask]

LeBron James asked to compare his 2017 team to the 2016 champions

Ezra Shaw | Getty Images

With the acquisition of Andrew Bogut, are the Cavaliers better than last year? LeBron Answers.

Together, Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin and team owner Dan Gilbert, have compiled one of the greatest NBA rosters we have ever seen. The recent acquisitions of Kyle Korver, Derrick Williams, Deron Williams, and now Andrew Bogut, places the Cavaliers in prime position to defend their championship crown. So, with their roster nearly set for the remainder of the season, are the Cavaliers better than they were last year?

Via Joe Vardon of cleveland.com:


“We don’t know,” LeBron James told cleveland.com during Wednesday morning’s shootaround in Boston. “We can’t say that — (the) 2016 (team) won a championship. For the most part we had some little nicks and bruises but we was whole for the most part last year, so, only time will tell.”

While James is correct about being healthy down the stretch last year, it must be noted that Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert missed the majority of two months at the beginning of last season due to injuries.

This season, the Cavs are dealing with quite a few injuries, including J.R. Smith’s fractured right thumb and Kevin Love’s knee. Both are expected to be ready in time for this year’s playoff run.

A source close to the Cavs tells cleveland.com that Bogut, who committed to sign with the team last night, will not sign today. Most expect the seven foot rim protector to officially sign sometime before Saturday.

Inevitably, Bogut’s arrival will spell the departure of someone on the Cavs’ roster. Vardon reports that either Jordan McRae or DeAndre Liggins, who were both at shootaround this morning, could be waived to make room on the roster for Bogut.

All of these additions to the team means there are a lot of new faces in the locker room. Tyronn Lue, Cavs Head Coach, feels confident in their ability to work together.

“Yeah, we’re pretty deep and the biggest thing is just trying to get everyone to mesh together and who plays well together and who doesn’t,” Coach Lue said. “So that’s going to be the biggest challenge the next few weeks, especially getting J.R. (Smith) back and then with Kevin (Love) coming back. So, it’s going to be a process but I’m pretty sure we can figure it out.”

Vardon asked James if adding Bogut to the fold brings any insight into the mindset of the Golden State Warriors. The King knows a run at the Larry O’Brien trophy is a long journey, and isn’t taking anything for granted.

“You guys are so fascinated by a Cleveland-Warriors matchup, but that’s discrediting the rest of the league,” James said. “We don’t play them no more for the rest of the season. We’re fortunate enough to even get through the East. If they’re on the other side, then we’ll see what happens then.”